Tallon Smith

Group 20 Rugby League has made the call to postpone its Magic Round until 2026 after concerns were raised by clubs over the event’s short lead time.

The event will now take place in round one of the 2026 season, with the group set to schedule representative fixtures in addition to the Magic Round concept.

Group 20 President Adam Brill said that the decision will allow the competition’s administrators more time to plan an enhanced event next season.

“[We’re] going to work on a full weekend off footy and try to get some representative footy here as well,” he told The Area News.

“Have the Magic Round on the Saturday of round one and then have some rep footy on the Sunday.”

Initially announced last week, the all-day rugby league extravaganza was set to hit Yenda’s Wade Park on June 21.

The concept, based upon the NRL version, was set to see Black and Whites face Waratahs, Yanco-Wamoon take on TLU Sharks, DPC Roosters square off with Hay, and Yenda tackle Leeton in four back-to-back matches.

Last-start winners West Wyalong were set to be the unlucky side with the bye before the event’s cancellation.

Unlike many of the other competitions that have held similar events, Group 20 were looking to involve all grades in the match day.

Brill last week told Battlers that the idea had been in the works for a while, after the competition’s committee saw the success of similar events in other country leagues.

“The idea was floated by one of the board members a little while ago,” he said. 

“It was [created] with the aim of getting some hype and more exposure to the game. 

“In other areas they are starting to do it and it seemed like a good idea to give it a go.”